AKRON, OH – For Cody Anderson and the rest of the Akron RubberDucks, the home opener could have gone smoother, as the visiting Bowie Baysox took game one of the series 6-3.

Anderson, a consensus Top 10 prospect in the Indians organization, struggled in his first home start of the year, surrendering four runs on five hits and two walks through six innings. He also allowed two home runs, both to leadoff hitter Buck Britton. Though Thursday’s final stat line wasn’t overly troubling, the fact that the right-hander had such lofty expectations entering the 2014 season made his Canal Park debut a bit more disappointing.

The Akron offense out-hit the Bowie offense, but as has been the theme of the past three games, clutch hitting was the problem. The RubberDucks finished the night 1-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 runners. Over the past four games, the Akron offense is a combined 8-41 (.195) with runners in scoring position, and has stranded 32 runners on base.

The RubberDucks offense was able to notch double-digit hits for the fourth time this season, an encouraging sign for a squad full of talented prospects. Joe Wendle continued his hot start to the 2014 season, finishing the night 3-5 with a triple and a run scored. In 2013, the second baseman hit .295 with a .372 on-base percentage and, so far in 2014, is sitting at .308 and .419, respectively.

Jake Lowery and Bryson Myles added two hits apiece, while third baseman Giovanny Urshela brought his season RBI total to seven with three more Thursday and the RubberDucks lone home run of the game in the fourth. Making a rehab start in center field, Michael Bourn went 0-4 with two strikeouts, and Francisco Lindor went 0-5 with a strikeout.

Though Anderson struggled early, giving up all four runs in the first two innings, he was able to settle in and finish the night strong. His problem for most of the night, however, was falling behind to hitters and forcing himself into fastball counts. Anderson threw only 59% of his pitches for strikes, a number slightly below the major league level for starting pitchers.

In relief for Akron, Giovanni Soto threw two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two. Enosil Tejeda didn’t fare as well, surrendering two runs in the top half of the ninth, essentially, putting the game out of reach.

For the visiting Baysox, Britton led the way with two home runs and three RBI’s. Shortstop Niuman Romero also tacked on two hits, including a double. Designated hitter Zane Chavez added two hits, a run scored and a RBI.

On the mound for Bowie, starting pitcher Tyler Wilson allowed 10 hits, but kept things in check throughout the night. By striking out eight and not recording a walk, Wilson was able to limit the RubberDucks to just three runs. Oliver Drake earned his first save of the year by recording the final two outs of the game.

With Thursday’s loss, Akron falls to 3-4 on the year, while the victory brings Bowie to 6-2. On Friday, the RubberDucks will send Joseph Colon to the hill, who is trying to rebound after a shaky start on Saturday. In that game, the former 12th round pick surrendered five earned runs through 4 2/3 innings.

The Baysox will send left-hander Tim Berry to the mound. Berry threw flawlessly in his 2014 debut, throwing seven scoreless innings and only allowing three hits. Game two of the four-game set is scheduled for a 6:35 PM ET start at Canal Park.